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Nellis, Creech firefighter takes home top civilian honor in DOD

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles
  • Nellis Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  A firefighter's duty is to protect the lives and property of individuals from the threat of fires or extreme conditions. Everyday hundreds of thousands of these heroes put their own lives on the line to ensure their mission is fulfilled. 

In the military this mission is escalated because of the exercises and missions each service brings to an overall picture of national security.

Each year, the best firefighters in the United States are recognized for their excellent work and dedication to safety in a National Fire Chiefs Conference at a Sheraton Hotel in Dallas. At the conference, the Department of Defense firefighters, along with local and state firefighters, are given awards based on safety and readiness for response to emergencies. The DoD category of the conference picked the best military and civilian firefighters from all services of the military against each other for top awards.

The Air Force, which prides itself on safety awareness and readiness, managed to take home all military awards. The top award was given to a civilian firefighter from the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron who was named 2008 Department of Defense Civilian Firefighter of the Year.

Bradley Myers, a 99th CES firefighter stationed at Creech Air Force Base, was in attendance when his name was called to receive the top civilian accolade for the Department of Defense. During the conference, he received a trophy and numerous other plaques for his accomplishments over the year.

"I was surprised," said Mr. Myers. "I was just happy to win the Air Force-level award, but winning the Department of Defense award comes as a huge bonus."

Mr. Myers, who has worked at Creech for six years, typically starts his day with a roll call before attending fire fighting training and preparing his vehicle for any emergency calls that may come. Most calls he receives aren't serious emergencies; however, he treats every one as if they were. This readiness prepares him for any situation that may arise.

"Brad is an experienced, battle-hardened firefighter who exerts such a positive influence throughout the department, especially with the younger guys," said Mr. John Beauchamp, chief of the Creech Fire Department. "I can think of no other person more deserving of this award in my entire 28-year fire service career."

As an extrication team leader, he saved the lives of two critically injured victims of a multivehicle accident. Mr. Myers also took charge of a fire involving live ammunition and prevented potential fragmentation injuries by removing a victim and shielding bystanders.

Mr. Myers has provided outstanding community support and acted decisively during in-flight emergencies. He administered life-saving skills to a heart attack victim, preventing full cardiac arrest. He provided emergency medical care to a child with severe head trauma, a pregnant woman with life-threatening complications and a scalding water burn victim. 

In each case, Mr. Myers' quick actions saved lives and averted further damage to the victims. He also played a pivotal role in a joint firefighting effort which saved three local homes from a massive fire. As a fire crew chief during in-flight emergencies, including an A-10 Thunderbolt II engine fire, he prevented more than $16 million of damage to critical Air Force assets.

Chief Beauchamp said Mr. Myers' overall performance has been validated by his selection for this prestigious award and his recent promotion to lead firefighter after only six years at the Creech Fire Department.

"We are all very proud of Brad and all his accomplishments," said Col. Pete Gersten 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. "The contributions he has given in support of the 432nd's no-fail, 24/7/365 mission have been extraordinary. His exceptional efforts in protecting Creech, its personnel and the local community contribute greatly to the unmanned aerial system's vital operations."
Although Mr. Myers accepted the award, he said it was a team effort.

"This award isn't just for me," he said. "This award wouldn't have been possible without my fellow firemen at Creech, my family and my friends."

Mr. Myers was also selected as the 2008 Air Force Civilian Firefighter of the Year. He was honored at an Air Force Fire and Emergency Services luncheon in Dallas, Aug. 26.

(Information provided by 1st Lt. Kevin Milgram, 432d Wing Public Affairs)